Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is a dynamic and very modern country, divided into seven emirates each with its own king (Sheikh). As a Muslim country, there are strict rules concerning religion, alcohol, and general living conditions; however, in tourist areas such as Dubai, visitors can enjoy most western amenities, including alcohol. All along the country’s coast are white sand beaches, with amazing snorkeling and diving spots particularly along the Indian Ocean coast. United Arab Emirates also offers magnificent desert dunes and incredible wadis for those looking for a more natural setting.

SELECT A VACATION SERIES:

Egypt, India & Dubai Series

Africa Series

Egypt & Dubai Series

The extensive itineraries we offer throughout Egypt and Dubai will immerse you in the dynamic culture and rich history found in this region.

Comfort - Maximum group size of 35 people

Value - Luxury hotels chosen for their central location and excellent service

Inclusions - Knowledgeable sightseeing guides, and more:

Travel insurance with trip interruption coverage (if paid in full 60 days prior to departure)

Generally hot and dry, the United Arab Emirates sees very little rain, which can occur between November and February, sometimes resulting in floods. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching as high as 120°F on the coastal plain. The weather from October to March is the most pleasant, ranging from 63°F to 85°F.

Language

Although Arabic is the official language, expatriates from Asia, Iran, and the West are very numerous here; therefore, languages spoken widely include Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and English. In addition, as a former British protectorate, most locals learn basic English in school.

In Dubai, hotels and commercial businesses usually conduct business in English.

The official currency is the UAE dirham. The subdivision is the fil (at 100 fils per dirham). The exchange rate as of Feb 2010 is 3.6 dirhams to US$1.

Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs throughout the major cities.

Bargaining is normal and is expected with street vendors and markets, but not with department stores and the like.

Tipping in Dubai is not expected for the most part, but is greatly appreciated; however, tipping to porters, tour guides, and tour drivers is customary and expected. In restaurants, there may be a service charge already included in the bill; if there isn’t, a 10-15% tip is customary.